SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A century of service and sacrifice was celebrated Saturday at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, where family, friends and fellow veterans gathered to honor retired Major Robert Barto on his 100th birthday.
Barto, a decorated veteran who served in three wars, was recognized with a Quilt of Valor — an honor presented to service members who have dedicated their lives to the U.S. military.
“It was just the thing to do,” Barto said of his service. “I can’t imagine anything other than what happened.”
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Barto began his military journey at just 15 years old, volunteering as a firefighter and mail carrier during World War II. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps and, in 1945, was commended for bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima for evacuating wounded Marines under heavy fire…